Respectfully request advice as newly divorced dad

I am so sorry to read this and wish you the best.
Do your best to remain focused and clear headed.
Having not been divorced but seeing at least half of my friends go down this road, I will only echo the advice I found most beneficial important because it is wise to follow it.

As mentioned above, I have found this statement to bare the most fruit well after all is said and done. Never speak bad or poorly of the ex, the kids mom. Doing so will double the hurt on you. It boomerangs and hits you in the back of the head.

Keep records. Emails, letters, even phone conversations if possible. Also, write a journal. It should contain the facts first and feelings second. While starting an entry with “I’m Pissed off at he ex!” Is one thing, get to the facts of why and what damage you think or know it will contain and do.

Following the above two suggestions bare the best fruit down the line and even more so when the children become of age. When the talk happens, the kids may ask about a certain something at a certain time and you’ll have a written recording.

As of right now, beyond a shadow of a doubt, there are two things that must be done bar none;

Get a lawyer. Look up his track record. Get to know the law. And MAKE THE FIRST MOVE NOW!

I would not pay a cent to her since not only is she the one who quit and left the marriage and left but left you unsuspected and suddenly. This means she had a plan.
Dude! She had a plan.

Best of luck
You got my number